Get the Bravo Newsletter

Just Say ... Yes?

What a long, emotional, and revealing day! I appreciate that the reunion provided a forum in which to openly discuss our questions and opinions, as well as yours, about all that has transpired on this inaugural season of the Real Housewives of DC. Of course, some comments raise more questions than they answer, so I'd love to address those points here.

The Woman Who Cried Wolf

Firstly, while I am very critical of the Salahis and their spin-factory assembly line of contradictions, I need to reiterate that I sincerely miss the Michaele I once knew. If she does in fact have Multiple Sclerosis, I will of course support her in any way and wish her a long, healthy life full of blessings. I hope that she will use this opportunity to set a good example for other people struggling with this difficult and potentially debilitating disease. However, my previously expressed doubts are best represented by the familiar parable, "The boy who cried wolf." When people lie continually, misrepresent themselves, and even manipulate the truth to satisfy their agendas, it becomes impossible to discern when they are sincerely suffering. Michaele is indisputably guilty of all of the above; therefore my first and honest response was "BS." I hated to see her cry or feel bullied by us "mean girls," but her attack on Cat regarding her dissolved marriage with Charles was more mean-spirited and misguided than anything anyone said on that couch. I would like to believe that she truly "is from a different make" as she later asserts to Mary, that she doesn't know "how someone can feel good about hurting somebody." But this seems like yet another contradiction given her insensitivity and even cruelty towards Cat. I say she needs a therapist because: A) We all do! B) She appears out of touch with reality, as Stacie mentions, she lives "in a delusional world." I truly hope she gets the help she needs and deserves.

Love ... and Marriage?

As you know by now, I have been more than forthcoming about almost any topic and do not often shy away from your questions. However, I was uncomfortable addressing the viewer's question regarding marrying Ebong because that is a bridge he and I will cross privately before ever discussing it publicly. We have loved and supported each other for the past year and a half and will continue to do so regardless of our legal status. Thanks a lot, Gary from DC! You'll have to watch what happens...

Cat-itude

For the last time, Cat is NOT a racist! Any insensitive statements she made in jest were a result of her often-misunderstood sense of humor, not a single racist bone in her body. I understand her comments can be offensive, but I know firsthand that Cat does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual preference, or economic position. I believe Stacie when she says she never intended to imply Cat was racist, however I think she needs to take responsibility for how her racially charged observations would be perceived by our viewers (IE: Her noting Tyra and Obama "just happened to be black" would easily be interpreted as an accusation of racial discrimination). While I also understand Stacie defending her long-time, cherished friend Erika with regard to her attack on Cat, I disagree completely with her position. I concede that they are two grown women, however, as I have previously blogged, Erika's conduct was entirely inappropriate and unwarranted, especially at a children's ice cream social.

Newfound Family

Stacie is a beautiful and brilliant woman whose strength throughout her difficult emotional journey to find her blood relatives has been remarkable. We, like you, heard for the first time at the reunion that Stacy had been in contact with her birth father, stepmothers, and half siblings. I fought back tears of happiness as my heart welled for her incredible triumph, having finally received the love and support she sought and so fully deserves from her biological family. I am thrilled for Stacy, her wonderful husband and beautiful children. I wish them blessings and luck as they round the next bend of this journey -- to explore and nurture their bond with their newfound family in Nigeria!

Just Say ... Yes?

The Bravo audience once again learned that Mary just says "no" to drugs (besides wine, of course). I, on the other hand, require more assistance these days to keep up with my ever-evolving list of medical obstacles brought about by "the change." While, I was born with dyslexia and ADHD, I had previously chosen to cope without allopathic medicines. I was unprepared, however for how menopause (which I now refer to as mental-pause) would exacerbate these conditions. I found myself busier than ever, with my multiple children, households and businesses to attend to, yet I was just plain incapable of keeping up with my increasingly hectic schedule. With the help of a talented and knowledgeable psychiatrist who patiently led me through days of testing, specialists, and drug trials, I was able to find a medication schedule that made me feel like my normally productive self (Almost. The hot flashes, more like flares, are still a struggle; but I am continuing to explore homeopathic treatments and natural hormone therapies.). Unfortunately, an unwanted side effect of one drug is that it makes me hyper and irritable, for which yet another drug is a much needed counter balance (just ask my family and friends). And, yes, as I mentioned, I smoked marijuana -- and inhaled! I learned firsthand about marijuana's powerful medicinal properties, which were more effective for my particular ailments than legally condoned medications. I encourage the U.S. to continue paving a legislative path to permit all sick and suffering people access to beneficial medicines without fear of legal penalty or social stigma. Would I use it recreationally, if it were legal? Probably. I still think it's better than alcohol...

And that's just the beginning; Part Two gets even better if you can believe it! Thank you to Andy for hanging in there with us and to all of our fans for tuning in. To be continued ... As we are all still a work in progress, I leave you with an inspirational poem by Lord Byron that I hope you will enjoy.